Lakshya stuns defending champion Yuqi in All-England opener


A file picture of Lakshya in action at the Malaysia Open 2026 on Jan 8, 2026. – MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Lakshya Sen of India delivered one of the biggest shocks on the opening day of the All-England when he dethroned men's singles defending champion Shi Yuqi of China in Birmingham on Tuesday (March 3).

The Indian world No. 18 dug deep to stun the world No. 1 23-21, 19-21, 21-17 in a gripping 78-minute battle at the Utilita Arena, ending Yuqi's title defence at the first hurdle.

Lakshya now advances to the second round, where he will take on Hong Kong's Angus Ng Ka Long, who earlier brushed aside Canada's Brian Yang 21-14, 21-9.

 

 

 

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